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It's time to introduce PE licensing for the title of "software engineer". Like civil engineers, software engineers should be personally, civilly and criminally
by bitwize 3y ago
It's time to introduce PE licensing for the title of "software engineer". Like civil engineers, software engineers should be personally, civilly and criminally liable for the systems they sign off on. Reserve other titles, likE "software developer", for those who work under the engineer and do not assume liability.
Other measures, like data protection laws, will still be necessary. But introducing certification and liability like an actual profession would be a good start.
This will greatly diminish startup culture. Fine. I'd rather have a few responsible companies out there playing by the rules than a thousand wildcats for whom rules are an inconvenience.
- curioussavage 3y agoI’ve had the same thoughts and I’m glad I’m not alone. We like the money and prestige from wearing these titles but not the responsibility that others who call themselves engineers shoulder. I can protest to my boss about security issues and data privacy or even try refusing to proceed with a project or release but that’s a minor inconvenience to him. Easy enough to fire me and get somebody else who doesn’t care. We complain that we are powerless but investors and executives aren’t going to give us any power willingly. That will have to come from legislators and if we want it we’ll have to take some responsibility too.